At 39,681, Temple received a record-breaking number of applications for the fall 2024 semester as of April 1, the university’s undergraduate application deadline. 

“This rise in applications is evidence of what we have been hearing anecdotally all year: Students from around the city, country and world are excited about coming to Temple,” said senior vice president and Provost Gregoy N. Mandel. “It’s a testament to the work that the division of Enrollment Management, under the leadership of Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Jose Aviles, and staff members and faculty across our many schools and colleges are doing to pursue a robust enrollment strategy and reinvigorate the recruitment and admissions process.”

Temple’s approach to recruitment this year focused on tried-and-true strategies, explained Aviles. “We got out on the road with the intent to have conversations and build relationships with area students and families, and our schools and colleges doubled down on their efforts, including enhancing their participation in events hosted for visitors to campus,” he said.

Across the university, Temple’s schools and colleges have been integral to the success of the university’s overall recruitment strategy. For example, changes the College of Science and Technology (CST) put in place over the last couple of years have begun to yield positive results. Interest in new majors, like genomic medicine and ecology, evolution and biodiversity, is growing—with enrollment in genomic medicine spiking from just five students in 2020 to more than 100 today. CST also worked to improve its public face by revamping department websites and boosting participation by faculty at open houses.

“Presence at recruitment events by enthusiastic faculty members and the dean—along with displays of ongoing research—generated excitement among the students and families in attendance,” said Robert Sanders, professor and chair of the Department of Biology. “Many asked very specific and knowledgeable questions and seemed pleased with our answers.”

In fact, in-person recruitment events play a vital role in the process: A 60% increase in students visiting campus last fall was the first sign that applications would reach record levels this spring.

“Now we are seeing a 70% increase in the number of admitted students attending our open house programs,” said Aviles. “This is significant because we know that when students come to our beautiful campus, that’s when they know Temple is the right choice for them.”

Another critical aspect of Temple’s enrollment strategy was delivering a clear message regarding the value of a Temple degree. “All year, we have been very intentional about promoting a strong, unequivocal message,” said Aviles. “Temple University is one of the best universities in the country and our faculty are world-class.”   

It’s a message that resonated.

As the university continues to recruit the Class of 2028, key areas of growth are apparent.

•    International applications are up 20%, an area that had last year already seen a 21%  increase in first-year enrollment over 2022.

•    Out-of-state applications have reached the highest in the university’s history, including double-digit percentage increases from Georgia (64%), Illinois (49%), D.C. (36%), New Jersey (12%), Maryland (12%), New York (12%) and Texas (11%).

•    Applications from city of Philadelphia residents are showing record numbers.

The new Temple Promise financial aid grant program coupled with more visits to local high schools may account for the surge in applications from city residents. Overall, the Temple team made more trips to Philadelphia high schools than the previous year, visiting 20–25 schools in the past couple of months. 

“When we announced Temple Promise, I wanted to make sure that students felt they could be part of this moment and made it my mission to visit as many schools as possible in our backyard,” said Aviles. “I met extraordinary students who we would love to have at Temple but who had not yet applied because either they thought Temple was out of reach for them or they thought they would get better financial aid elsewhere.”  

“And this is why it’s paramount for us to be visible and present across the city to demystify Temple and the application process,” he added.

Another tactic the team employed as part of their enrollment strategy this year was on-site admission decisions for local first-generation and low-income students.

“Applying to college can be overwhelming for students trying to do something no one else in their family has done,” said Aviles. “Shortening that process by providing immediate decisions can create enthusiasm and shape aspirations.” 

“I wanted to convey to these students that they can feel comfortable calling Temple home for the next four years,” he added.

Also noteworthy is that graduate enrollment is likewise seeing an uptick, with completed master’s applications up 6% and doctoral applications up 16.8%.   

“It’s exciting to see such positive indicators regarding graduate enrollment,” said Mandel. “Across the board, prospective undergraduate, graduate and international students are drawn to Temple’s academic excellence, affordability and mission of delivering value.”